MERALCO makes its EASL debut on Wednesday against reigning B. League champion Ryukyu Golden Kings at the Okinawa Arena without three of its key players.
The Bolts arrived in Japan on Monday without import Suleiman Braimoh, Chris Banchero, and gunner Allein Maliksi, making them shorthanded in their 7 p.m. match against a Ryukyu side that features former Meralco import Allen Durham and young Filipino player Karl Tamayo.
Nonetheless, coach Luigi Trillo vows to give the Golden Kings a run for their money despite playing with just Prince Ibeh as Meralco's lone import.
"We'll try to do our best, we're not going to raise the white flag," said Trillo prior to the team's departure. "It's a chance for us to show also what we can do. Overall, it's exciting to be in the EASL."
Braimoh encountered problem securing a Japanese visa, Banchero is out with a hamstring injury, while Maliksi suffered a nasal fracture in the Bolts' last game against Blackwater over the weekend.
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Even the 7-foot Ibeh is coming off an injury and just practiced with the team several times.
"He's (Ibeh) going to be a bit testy for us in terms of not having an import who plays for us," said Trillo of the Bolts' other reinforcement outside of Braimoh, who is the team's regular import in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
Meanwhile, Ryukyu carries an even 1-1 record in Group B.
Initially, it lost to the Seoul SK Knights on the road, 82-69, but got even following an 80-79 thriller at home.
Apart from Durham, who won three PBA Best Import Awards with the Bolts, the Golden Kings also have Vic Law, Alex Kirk, and Jack Cooley for their reinforcements.(RG)
